What should a CNA do if they notice a wound is separating?

What should a CNA do if they notice a wound is separating?

• A. Apply more dressing and monitor
• B. Leave it and inform the patient to keep it clean
• C. Report to the nurse immediately
• D. Attempt to rejoin the wound manually

Answer: (C)

When a CNA notices that a wound is separating, the appropriate action is to report to the nurse immediately. This response is crucial because a separating wound can indicate a potential complication such as infection or poor healing, which requires professional assessment and intervention. The nurse has the training and authority to evaluate the situation, determine the necessary care, and decide if further medical intervention is required. Promptly informing the nurse ensures that the patient receives appropriate medical attention that could prevent further complications. In contrast, simply applying more dressing and monitoring may not address the underlying issue causing the separation. Leaving it for the patient to keep clean could lead to negligence of proper wound care and potential worsening of the condition. Trying to manually rejoin the wound poses risks, such as introducing bacteria into the wound or causing further injury, which could compromise healing and escalate the patient’s situation. Thus, reporting to the nurse aligns with the principle of patient safety and effective communication within the healthcare team.

When a CNA notices that a wound is separating, the appropriate action is to report to the nurse immediately. This response is crucial because a separating wound can indicate a potential complication such as infection or poor healing, which requires professional assessment and intervention. The nurse has the training and authority to evaluate the situation, determine the necessary care, and decide if further medical intervention is required. Promptly informing the nurse ensures that the patient receives appropriate medical attention that could prevent further complications.

In contrast, simply applying more dressing and monitoring may not address the underlying issue causing the separation. Leaving it for the patient to keep clean could lead to negligence of proper wound care and potential worsening of the condition. Trying to manually rejoin the wound poses risks, such as introducing bacteria into the wound or causing further injury, which could compromise healing and escalate the patient’s situation. Thus, reporting to the nurse aligns with the principle of patient safety and effective communication within the healthcare team.